In reply to ericinbristol:
I think the gorge has fallen victim to a number of events as there used to be a very vibrant scene back in the 70's, 80's and early 90's. The toilets were looked after, the car park was expanded and the tea van was always present at the foot of the cliffs and made for a very amicable meeting area. Then the gypsies moved in, they together with the methods introduced to get them out and keep them out, spoilt the environment and the council seemed to give up trying to keep the place maintained. During this period Pergrine Falcons took the opportunity to inhabit several parts of the cliff which delayed active climbing even further and the vegetation started to take over. To cap it all sports climbing became popular and the adventurous nature of many of the climbs just seemed to be too much for many modern climbers. All very sad. Avon climbing suited my style and I have many happy memories of the climbs and the people some of whom, including me, are still active today.